Needless Veteran Deaths and Injuries Subject of Congressional Report

A disturbing congressional report just released by Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has illustrated the serious and sometimes life-threatening ramifications of alleged misconduct by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Delayed treatments, excessive waiting times and a series of alarming medical errors may have caused the needless death of hundreds, indicates the report.

Amid growing scrutiny and scathing news regarding the treatment of our nation’s veterans, The Sanders Firm is currently investigating malpractice claims against the VA, and offering no-charge legal consultations to those who have been affected. Families who have lost a loved one, or believe their relative was harmed due to negligence or misconduct are encouraged to contact our team of VA medical malpractice lawyers for a free case review.

As many of 1,000 vets may have died due to red tape, negligence

The congressional report speculates that as many as 1,000 American veterans may have died needlessly due to purported negligence, misconduct and wide scale incompetence. Senator Coburn (R-Okla.) says that the Department of Veterans Affairs has already paid out almost $1 billion to veterans and their families for allegations of malpractice within VA health care clinics.

“As is typical with any bureaucracy, the excuse for not being able to meet goals is a lack of resources. But this is not the case at the VA where spending has increased rapidly in recent years, “said Sen. Coburn.

“This report shows the problems at the VA are worse than anyone imagined,” added Coburn, who practiced medicine before entering Congress. “The scope of the VA’s incompetence — and Congress’ indifferent oversight — is breathtaking and disturbing. This investigation found the problems at the VA are far deeper than just scheduling.”

The report states that veteran deaths can be attributed to the following issues:

The report further invites the Senate to augment its supervision of the VA and to direct more attention on patient outcomes, rather than working to mend a “broken system that has long lacked accountability and failed thousands of veterans.”

Three striking incidents mentioned in the report highlight the scope of the problem facing our country’s veterans. One Philadelphia vet suffered a stroke after a tooth extraction after medical staff failed to check his blood pressure, which had been dangerously low. Another vet in South Carolina was forced to wait almost nine months for a colonoscopy. When he finally had the test, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Physicians at another VA health care center failed to see a lung lesion on another vet’s x-ray, which eventually cost the man his life.

Free advice from VA medical malpractice lawyers

Serving residents of the greater NYC area for nearly 50 years, The Sanders Firm attorneys offer trusted legal advice and a proven track record of winning verdicts and settlements arising from medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about filing a NY medical malpractice lawsuit against the VA, we invite you to call our offices for a complimentary case evaluation. Call 1-800-FAIR-PLAY.

The Sanders Firm is a national personal injury law firm with principal offices in Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, and Bronx. The Sanders Firm represents clients nationwide in class action lawsuits, federal litigation and multi-district litigation. Call to speak with a lawyer for a free consultation, there is no charge unless the firm wins your case and recovers a monetary award.
SEO by Rankdog